Elkader Native Serving as Legion’s First Female National Commander

A Clayton County native has the honor of serving as the country’s National Commander of the American Legion… and, even more impressive, she’s the first woman to hold that title.

Denise Rohan now lives in the Madison, Wisconsin area. But, on Friday, she got the chance to come back to her hometown area to spread the message of the American Legion. She told KMCH how her life has taken her from Elkader, Iowa to her current role as the leader as one of the country’s most respected organizations.

Rohan says she rose to different Legion positions over the past decade before being elected to a one-year term as the National Commander last August… becoming the first female commander in the Legion’s 99-year history.

Rohan was in Manchester on Friday morning, where she enjoyed breakfast at the American Legion Post 45 and visited with local veterans and their families. She also stopped by West Delaware Middle School, where she led the students in the Pledge of Allegiance and visited with 5th grade students.